Placemaking. It’s architectural excellence with a strong sense of place – new structures blended into existing ones, or entire neighbourhoods brought forth from a blank canvas. The goal of placemaking is to create developments that promote community, to build landscapes that unite design and functionality.

Architecture contributes to a vibrant sense of place by creating a synergy of built and green spaces that results in well-utilized centres of activity. From early projects that embraced gardens and used local materials, to today’s large and complex developments, our vision of “more than just a building” endures. We remain inspired by West Coast design principles and the opportunity to create a building in harmony with its setting and its purpose.

Projects that highlight placemaking

As a core value of our work, almost every one of our designs includes placemaking as a central theme. In 1989, we drew on inspiration from rustic and mountain settings for the Chateau Whistler. We’re especially proud of that project; it not only played a role in shaping the face of Whistler, but also influenced other architects.

Two other projects that exemplify placemaking are the Concord Pacific Master Plan and the Beatty Mews development. Beatty Mews involved the construction of three residential buildings, a pedestrian mews, and a public green space with a water feature and public art. Ringed by townhouses and a restaurant, the public space provides a welcoming open area in this densely-populated neighbourhood.

Our firm developed the master plan for Concord Pacific Place in 1992. The master plan ensured that the waterfront walkways and parks are true public spaces for all Vancouver residents to enjoy, not just a privileged few. The plan also provided for non-market housing, school and daycare sites, all located on prime waterfront property. Even today, DA’s mixed-use community plan is unique by North American standards, providing spaces to live, work, and play for a diverse socioeconomic mix of residents.